Events

"In the Name of Saint George! II" returns this year as a 2 day event - featuring Longsword, Saber and Rapier & Dagger tournaments, July 25th - 26th, 2026. Saint George, the legendary warrior-saint and dragon slayer stands as a timeless symbol and example of courage, chivalry and unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. For centuries, Saint George has been the patron saint of knights, warriors, fencers and those who take up arms for honor, defense and virtue. Our tournament In the Name of Saint George! II is a celebration of those knightly virtues that Saint George embodies and is not just a contest of arms but also a tribute to the chivalric spirit of discipline, respect and valor that defines the martial traditions of Europe. He slew the dragon, he died a martyr. In his name we compete, not for glory alone but to carry forward a legacy of skill, honor and virtue. *All events will be Open tournaments, however depending on the number of competitors, the Longsword compeition may be divided into two divisions - "Division I" (Hema rating 1450+) and "Division II" (Hema rating 1450-) tournaments. All tournament results will be submitted to HEMA Ratings. Links to tournament rules can be found below Longsword rules Saber rules Rapier & Dagger rules The tenative schedule for the event will be as follows: SATURDAY 8am - Doors open 9am - Longsword Open pools 11am - Longsword elims and finals 1-1:30pm Lunch 1:30pm - Rapier & Dagger Open Pools 3:30pm - Rapier & Dagger elims and finals 6pm - Conclusion SUNDAY 11am - Doors open 12:30pm- Saber Open pools 2:30pm - Saber elims and finals 4pm - Conclusion The event will be hosted at the Russellville High School gymnasium - 1101 W 9th St, Russellville, KY 42276. Russellville is a little over an hour north of Nashville and 25 minutes from Bowling Green, KY. For those coming from out of state, we recommend looking for accomodation in Bowling Green, KY.

"Saturday Fecht Club" July 18th, 2026, 1-4pm. The first rule of Fecht Club is you do not talk about Fecht Club. ;) This will be an open sparring class with coached sparring and judged sparring, Tiers 1-4. The weekend before "In the Name of St. George! II", so come get some extra training in! Great opportunity for tournament prep or for improving your sparring/technical applications. We'll have opportunities to explore a lot of sparring aspects and will also run some competitive/judged bouts. This will be a 3-hour class of open sparring, stay as long as you want, and fight til you drop! 

Thursday, June 25th, NSHF will be hosting its second quartlerly in-house competition of 2026, our Summer Longsword Fechtschule! Open for all members Tiers 1-4. We will run this tournament during our normal class time on Thursday, 6-9pm. The goal of these in-house tournaments is to give everyone opportunities for competitive experience and a chance to test your skills outside of sparring and regular training. There's no better way to test your skills than to compete!  We also will need help judging and/or scorekeeping, so let us know if you'd like to get involved that way. Whether you've never competed before are looking to sharpen and take your competitive skills to a higher level, this is your chance! Space is going to be limited so register asap.

Our first "Saturday Fecht Club" May 16th, 2026, 1-3:30pm. The first rule of Fecht Club is you do not talk about Fecht Club. ;) This will be an open sparring class with coached sparring as well, Tiers 1-4. Come get some extra training in! Great opportunity for tournament prep or for improving your sparring/technical applications. We'll have opportunities to explore a lot of sparring aspects and will also run some competitive/judged bouts. This will be a 3-hour class of open sparring, stay as long as you want, and fight til you drop! Snacks will be provided. Maybe we grab a beer afterwards? :)

Thursday, March 26th NSHF will be hosting its first quartlerly in-house competition of 2026, our Spring Longsword Fechtschule! Open for all members Tiers 1-4. We will run this tournament during our normal class time on Thursday, 6-9pm. The goal of these in-house tournaments is to give everyone opportunities for competitive experience and a chance to test your skills outside of sparring and regular training. There's no better way to test your skills than to compete!  We also will need help judging and/or scorekeep, so let us know if you'd like to get involved that way. Whether you've never competed before are looking to sharpen and take your competitive skills to a higher level, this is your chance! Space is going to be limited so register asap.

WinterFecht 2025 - our first annual in-house end of the year tournament to usher in the Christmas season, what better way than to "Dussack the Halls" on December 18th, 2025 :) Thursday 7-9pm during our regular training time. This will be a low gear and relaxed tournament, with the goal of seeing some great fencing and merry camaraderie to finish out at great year at NSHF! All NSHF members and skill levels are welcome to participate, tiers 1-4 and our current beginners. Medals will be awarded to our top 3 finalists. *Masks, gloves, cup, elbow, knee and chest protectors (for ladies) are required. We have extra equipment for those who need to borrow.* For the sake of brotherly love there shall be no thrusting in this event, just as our forefathers did among comrades. :) Ruleset to be released soon. This a family friendly event, so you're welcome to bring loved ones/children. There will be light refreshments, anyone is welcome to bring food/drink as well! *Tournament registration is free, just make sure to sign up here asap so we know you'll be competing.* Looking forward to finishing out the year strong!